Manhole Cover Cushion

ABSTRACT

Provided is a coiled manhole cover cushion having at least one flat edge on a first side of the manhole cover cushion. Also provided is a system for sealing a manhole. The system includes a manhole having an access hole; a seating receptacle positioned adjacent to the access hole of the manhole. The seating receptacle includes an outer flange, a vertical wall extending downward at a substantially right angle from the outer flange, and a seat positioned at a substantially right angle adjacent to the vertical wall. The system also includes a coiled manhole cover cushion comprising at least one flat edge on a first side of the manhole cover cushion which may be positioned at the edge of the substantially right angle between the vertical wall and the seat of the seating receptacle. A method of installing a coiled manhole cover cushion is also provided herein.

BACKGROUND

A. Technical Field

The following disclosure generally relates to a material and method for sealing a manhole cover over a manhole. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a seal used in conjunction with a manhole cover.

B. Description of Related Art

Manholes are typically found on roadways and streets to provide access to an underground sewer system. They can be accessed by utility workers through manhole covers which are positioned or placed above manholes as a type of lid. Manhole covers must be durable to withstand the weight of countless vehicles which may travel over the manhole cover on a daily basis. They must also be able to withstand the many years of exposure to various weather conditions such as rain, snow, sleet, ice, temperature fluctuations of the various seasons, etc. As with many other types of materials, manhole covers can become worn over many years of use.

As a result of such wear, manhole covers can become loose within the support structure of the manhole resulting in manhole covers which move within the support structure. Worn manhole covers are especially noticeable as vehicles pass over them. In such cases, movement of the manhole cover within the support structure caused by vehicles creates a noise which is observable to individuals nearby. In addition, worn manhole covers are known to leak, allowing rain water and other fluids (e.g., engine oil, gasoline, brake fluids, etc.) from the street or roadway to enter the sewer system.

Manhole cover cushions have been used to form a gasket and seal manhole covers as they are positioned over the seating receptacle adjacent to the access hole of a manhole. Manhole cover cushions may be flat, round or elliptical in shape and are positioned along the edges of the seating receptacle of a manhole. Exemplary embodiments of manhole cover cushions having a round or elliptical shape are illustrated within FIGS. 5 and 6. In certain cases, round or elliptically shaped manhole cover cushions are manufactured or formed in the configuration of a rope or coil. The round or elliptically shaped manhole cover cushion is positioned on the seating receptacle of a manhole and a manhole cover is positioned over the manhole cover cushion to close the manhole. The round or elliptical shape of typical manhole cover cushions has proven to provide an imperfect seal as fluids have been shown to penetrate the seal and pass under and through the circular or elliptical shape of such rope or coil manhole cover cushions. They have also been shown to be ineffective over a certain period of time as they become deformed after a period of use by the passing of vehicles over the manhole cover, thus, failing to maintain the proper shape for sealing and cushioning manhole covers positioned over the seating receptacle.

Moreover, round or elliptical manhole cover cushions of a rope-like or coil-like configuration can be more difficult to install as they do not easily fit within the shape of the seating receptacle for the manhole cover. Such seating receptacles typically consist of a seat or inner flange and an inner wall positioned at a right angle adjacent to the seat or inner flange. Manhole cover cushions must be precisely installed at the right angle between the seat and the inner wall of the seating receptacle to provide an effective seal or gasket. This can be difficult given that the shape of round and elliptical rope-like or coil-like cushions do not naturally fit within at least one edge of a right angle, causing inherent imperfections within the seal or gasket formed by the manhole cover cushion. Thus, typical manhole cover cushions require precise installation and extra care by utility workers to ensure that the manhole cover cushion is properly placed as close as possible to the right angle within the seating receptacle so that a proper seal can be created and not allow water and other fluids to enter the sewer system.

What is needed is a manhole cover cushion which provides a more natural fit within the seating receptacle for a manhole cover and which provides a more effective seal against fluids entering into the access hole of a manhole as well as improved sound insulation.

II. SUMMARY

Provided is a manhole cover cushion having at least one flat edge on a first side of the manhole cover cushion. The manhole cover cushion has one of a coiled configuration and a foamed configuration.

According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the manhole cover cushion has at least two flat edges on a respective first side and a second side and the manhole cover cushion has a coiled configuration.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the coiled manhole cover cushion has a polygonal shape.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the coiled manhole cover has a first flat edge, a second flat edge, a third flat edge and a fourth flat edge respectively positioned on a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side of the manhole cover cushion.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the flat edges of the coiled manhole cover cushion are of a suitable size to fit within an edge of a substantially right angle formed between a vertical wall and a seat of a seating receptacle of a manhole.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the first flat edge and second flat edge positioned respectively at opposing first and second sides of the coiled manhole cover cushion are longer than the third flat edge and the fourth flat edge positioned respectively at opposing third and fourth sides of the manhole cover cushion.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, first flat edge, second flat edge, third flat edge and fourth flat edge of the coiled manhole cover cushion are all of the same size.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the coiled manhole cover cushion is formed from weaved cord into a rope-like structure.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the coiled manhole cover cushion is manufactured from a jute-like material and impregnated with asphalt.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the coiled manhole cover cushion forms a gasket between the seating receptacle of the manhole and a manhole cover when applied to the seating receptacle of a manhole.

Also provided is a system for sealing a manhole. The system includes a manhole having an access hole; a seating receptacle positioned adjacent to the access hole of the manhole wherein the seating receptacle includes an outer flange, a vertical wall extending downward at a substantially right angle from the outer flange, and a seat positioned at a substantially right angle adjacent to the vertical wall; and a coiled manhole cover cushion comprising at least one flat edge on a first side of the manhole cover cushion which is positioned at the edge of the substantially right angle between the vertical wall and the seat of the seating receptacle.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the system for sealing a manhole includes a coiled manhole cover cushion having a polygonal shape.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the system for sealing a manhole includes a coiled manhole cover cushion having a first flat edge, a second flat edge, a third flat edge and a fourth flat edge respectively positioned on a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side of the coiled manhole cover cushion.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the system for sealing a manhole includes flat edges on the coiled manhole cover cushion which are of a suitable size to fit within the edge of a substantially right angle formed between the vertical wall and the seat of the seating receptacle of the manhole.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the system for sealing a manhole includes a first flat edge and a second flat edge positioned respectively at opposing first and second sides of the coiled manhole cover cushion which are longer than a third flat edge and a fourth flat edge positioned respectively at opposing third and fourth sides of the manhole cover cushion.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the system for sealing a manhole includes a first flat edge, a second flat edge, a third flat edge and a fourth flat edge of the coiled manhole cover cushion which are all of the same length or size.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the system for sealing a manhole includes a coiled manhole cover cushion which is formed from weaved cord into a rope-like structure.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the system for sealing a manhole includes a coiled manhole cover cushion which is manufactured from a jute-like material and impregnated with asphalt.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the system for sealing a manhole includes a coiled manhole cover cushion which forms a gasket between the seating receptacle of the manhole and a manhole cover when applied to the seating receptacle of a manhole.

Also provided is a method for sealing a manhole. The method includes the steps of cleaning dirt and debris from a seating receptacle positioned adjacent to an access hole of the manhole wherein the seating receptacle includes an outer flange, a vertical wall extending downward at a substantially right angle from the outer flange, and a seat positioned at a substantially right angle adjacent to the vertical wall; placing a coiled manhole cover cushion comprising at least one flat edge on a first side of the manhole cover cushion at the edge of the substantially right angle formed between the vertical wall and the seat of the seating receptacle; and, placing a manhole cover over the manhole.

Other benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed manhole cover cushion and corresponding methods and systems may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top planar view of an exemplary manhole cover.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the interior of an exemplary manhole.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the interior of an exemplary manhole with a manhole cover removed.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the interior of an exemplary manhole with an exemplary manhole cushion installed.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an exemplary manhole cover cushion.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an exemplary manhole cover cushion.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an exemplary manhole cover cushion.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary manhole cover cushion.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the manhole cover cushion only and not for purposes of limiting the same, and wherein like reference numerals are understood to refer to like components.

Provided is a manhole cover cushion for a manhole. Manholes are found on roadways and streets. They typically are formed in the shape of a vertical tunnel which provides utility workers access from the road or street to an underground sewer system. A manhole cover is commonly placed over a manhole to prevent individuals, cars or other objects from falling into the manhole. An exemplary manhole cover (10) is illustrated within FIG. 1.

As illustrated within FIG. 2, manholes (20) typically include an access hole (22), a ladder (24) for utility workers to climb up and down to and from the underground sewer system and a drain pipe (26). FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary manhole (20) having a lid (10) removed to the side. The manhole (20) includes a seating receptacle (30) for housing the manhole cover (10) and holding it in proper position. The seating receptacle (30) includes a flat or planar outer flange (32) for holding the outer circumferential rim (12) of a manhole cover (10) as it is positioned over the manhole (20). The seating receptacle also includes a circumferential vertical wall (34) extending downward at a substantially right angle from the outer flange (32). Extending horizontally at a substantially right angle from the vertical wall (34) of the seating receptacle (30) is circumferential seat (36). In other embodiments, the seat may extend horizontally from the vertical wall at angles greater or less than 90°. The circumferential seat (36) is capable of housing an inner rim (not shown) on the bottom side of the manhole cover (10) to hold the manhole cover (10) in position within the seating receptacle (30) of the manhole (20).

As referenced above, the seating receptacles (30) of manholes (20) may be fitted with a manhole cover cushion (40). In certain embodiments, this manhole cover cushion (40) is positioned at the edge of the right angle formed between the vertical wall (34) of the seating receptacle (30) and the seat (36) of the seating receptacle. An exemplary model of such an embodiment is illustrated within FIG. 4. Manhole cover cushions (40) serve several purposes. First, they provide a form of sound insulation between the manhole cover and the seating receptacle of the manhole. Manhole covers tend to vibrate and/or move within the seating receptacle of the manhole. This is especially the case if a vehicle passes over or an individual walks over a manhole cover. In such cases the inner rim on the bottom side of the manhole cover may contact the seat and/or the inner wall of the seating receptacle of the manhole. Also, the outer rim of the manhole cover may be caused to vibrate or move relative to the outer flange and other components of the seating receptacle. The resulting contact of components between the manhole cover and the seating receptacle of the manhole typically generates unwanted noise. Manhole cover cushions function as a form of sound insulation, reducing the amount of noise generated by such forces. In addition, in certain embodiments, manhole cover cushions may be positioned in such a manner so as to fill in space between the manhole cover and the seating receptacle to provide a tighter and more secure fit which can result in further noise insulation and reduction.

Manhole cover cushions also form a gasket between the manhole cover and the seating receptacle of the manhole, thereby providing a seal against the influx of fluids such as water and vehicle fluids from the roadway into the manhole and the associated underground sewer system.

Another purpose served by manhole cover cushions is to reduce the amount of wear of the manhole cover and the seating receptacle of the manhole. This is accomplished by the manhole cover cushion reducing the amount and variability of contact between the manhole cover and the seating receptacle and by absorbing the weight of overhead forces that are applied to the manhole cover. This feature reduces the amount of wear of various components of the manhole cover such as the outer and inner rim as well as the seat and other components of the seating receptacle of the manhole. The overall result is a longer lasting manhole cover and manhole system.

In certain embodiments, the manhole cover cushion may be manufactured or formed into a configuration which can be described as rope-like and/or coil-like. Such manhole cover cushions may be referred to as “coiled” in the sense that the material forming the manhole cover cushion comprises a winding. A winding may be described as material which is interwoven together to form a helical, intertwined or interlaced or interlaced structure. In other embodiments, the manhole cover cushion may be manufactured from materials which form a foam. In such embodiments, the foamed manhole cover cushion may be extruded or cut into the desired length. After the manhole cover cushion is formed, it may be wound or arranged in a series of circular rings for packaging, storage and delivery.

The coiled or foamed manhole cover cushion has at least one flat edge. In other embodiments, the coiled or foamed manhole cover cushion has at least two flat edges. In further embodiments, the coiled or foamed manhole cover cushion has at least three flat edges. In still other embodiments, the coiled or foamed manhole cover cushion has at least four flat edges. The flat edges of the manhole cover cushion may vary in size. The manhole cover cushion may be positioned at any point along the seat of the seating receptacle of a manhole. In certain embodiments, the flat edges of the manhole cover cushion may be of suitable size to fit within or positioned adjacent to at least one edge of a substantially right angle or any other angle formed between the vertical wall and the seat of the seating receptacle of the manhole. In other embodiments, the flat edges of the manhole cover cushion may be of suitable size to fit within or positioned adjacent to at least one edge of the inner rim on the bottom side of a manhole cover. In further embodiments, the manhole cover cushion is of suitable size to fit between the vertical wall of the seating receptacle of the manhole and the inner rim on the bottom side of a manhole cover. The flat edges on the manhole cover cushion may, in certain embodiments, form a polygonal shape. Non-limiting examples of shapes the manhole cover cushion may be formed into include a triangular shape, a rectangular or rectilinear shape, a square shape, a pentagonal shape, a hexagonal shape, a heptagon, an octagon, a nonagon, a decagon, a dodecagon, a parallelogram, a rhombus. The manhole cover cushion may also be formed into any other shape comprising at least one flat edge which is suitable for placement at any position on the seat of a seating receptacle of a manhole and may be formed into any shape suitable to fit at the edge of a substantially right angle formed between the vertical wall and the seat of a seating receptacle of a manhole. In certain embodiments, the manhole cover cushion may also be manufactured to include at least one round or semi-circular side in combination with the at least one flat edge.

The flat edges on the sides of the manhole cover cushion may also be shaped to form manhole cover cushions in the shape of convex, concave, equilateral, equiangular, tangential, isotoxal (i.e., all sides of the polygon lie within the same symmetry orbit), regular (i.e., a polygon that is both cyclic and equilateral) and cyclic polygons.

In certain embodiments, where the manhole cover cushion includes four flat edges, a first and a second flat edge on opposing first and second sides are longer than a third and fourth flat edge on opposing third and fourth sides. In other words, in such embodiments, the third and fourth flat edges on opposing third and fourth sides are shorter than the first and second flat edges on opposing first and second sides of the manhole cover cushion. In other embodiments, where the manhole cover cushion includes four flat edges—a first, second, third and fourth flat edge respectively positioned on a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side of the manhole cover cushion are all of the same length or size.

Manhole cover cushions are soft and pliable. They generally are manufactured by weaving cord to form a rope-like or coil-like structure. Any weaving pattern within the knowledge of those of ordinary skill in the art may be utilized to form the manhole cover cushion. Any material which may be used to provide a cushioning effect may be utilized to manufacture the manhole cover cushion. Examples of materials which may be used to manufacture the manhole cover cushion include but are not limited to cotton, Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene), jute or any other similar material that may be woven or braided into a rope-like or coiled configuration. The manhole cover cushion substrate may be impregnated or coated with oil, graphite and/or bituminous based products to create a water phobic coating. In certain embodiments, the manhole cover cushion may be manufactured from braided cotton impregnated with graphite oil. In other embodiments, manhole cover cushions may be manufactured from a jute-like material. In other embodiments, manhole cover cushions may be impregnated with asphalt.

The manhole cover cushions may also be formed in any size suitable for insertion within the seating receptacle of a manhole. In certain embodiments, the manhole cover cushion may be manufactured into sizes ranging from about ¼ inch to about 1 inch (about 0.64 to about 2.54 cm) in diameter. In further embodiments, the manhole cover cushion may be manufactured into sizes of about ¼ inch (about 0.64 cm), about ⅜ inch (about 0.95 cm), about ½ inch (about 1.27 cm), about ¾ inch (about 1.91 cm), about 1 inch (about 2.54 cm), or any other size for insertion within a manhole seating receptacle, including metric equivalents. In yet further embodiments, the manhole cover cushion is manufactured into sizes of about ⅜ inch (about 0.95 cm) and about ¾ inch (about 1.91 cm) in diameter. In still further embodiments, the height and width of the manhole cover cushion are substantially the same. Manhole cover cushions may also be manufactured into any length suitable for insertion around the circumference of the seat of a manhole seating receptacle. In certain embodiments, the length of the manhole cover cushion may range from about 70 to about 100 inches (about 177.8 cm to about 254 cm). In other embodiments, a length of about 80 to about 90 inches (about 203.2 cm to about 228.6 cm) may be utilized to apply the manhole cover cushion to the seating receptacle.

In further embodiments, a length of about 84 inches (about 213.36 cm) may be utilized to apply the manhole cover cushion to the seating receptacle. In certain embodiments, the length of the manhole cover cushion should be sufficient to provide an overlap at the splice joint of the manhole cover cushion as it is applied to the seating receptacle. In other embodiments, the length of the manhole cover cushion should be sufficient to fit a manhole seating receptacle having a diameter of up to about 30 inches. The manhole cover cushion may be manufactured in bulk and wound around a large roll. In certain embodiments, the bulk manhole cover cushion wound around the roll is hundreds of feet in length. Alternatively, the bulk manhole cover cushion wound around a roll may range from about 25 to about 50 feet in length. The bulk manhole cover cushion may be cut into any desired length for application onto the desired surface.

The manhole cover cushion may have a service life lasting many years while enduring the constant application of heavy loads as well as various weather conditions. In certain embodiments, the manhole cover cushion may be designed to be extruded as it is being applied to the seating receptacle. Furthermore, although the manhole cover cushions may be designed to adhere to the seating receptacle, in certain embodiments, the manhole cover cushions may be reusable in that they may be easily removed from certain manhole seating receptacles and reinstalled in other manhole seating receptacles. In certain embodiments, installation of the manhole cover cushion may be accomplished by cleaning dirt and debris from the seat and if necessary, the overall seating receptacle of the manhole, placing the manhole cover cushion at the edge of the substantially right angle formed between the vertical wall and the seat of the seating receptacle and placing the manhole cover over the manhole without altering the position and/or placement of the manhole cover cushion. In certain embodiments, the manhole cover cushion is positioned in a manner such that the inner rim on the bottom side of the manhole cover does not alter position and/or placement of the manhole cover cushion.

Numerous embodiments have been described herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof

Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed: 

What is claimed is:
 1. A manhole cover cushion comprising at least one flat edge on a first side of the manhole cover cushion, wherein the manhole cover cushion has one of a coiled configuration and a foamed configuration.
 2. The manhole cover cushion of claim 1, wherein the manhole cover cushion has at least two flat edges on a respective first side and a second side and wherein the manhole cover cushion has a coiled configuration.
 3. The coiled manhole cover cushion of claim 2, wherein the coiled manhole cover cushion has a polygonal shape.
 4. The coiled manhole cover cushion of claim 3, having a first flat edge, a second flat edge, a third flat edge and a fourth flat edge respectively positioned on a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side of the coiled manhole cover cushion.
 5. The coiled manhole cover cushion of claim 4, wherein the flat edges of the coiled manhole cover cushion are of a suitable size to fit within an edge of a substantially right angle formed between a vertical wall and a seat of a seating receptacle of a manhole.
 6. The coiled manhole cover cushion of claim 5, wherein the first flat edge and the second flat edge positioned respectively at opposing first and second sides of the coiled manhole cover cushion are longer than the third flat edge and the fourth flat edge positioned respectively at opposing third and fourth sides of the coiled manhole cover cushion.
 7. The coiled manhole cover cushion of claim 5, wherein the first flat edge, second flat edge, third flat edge and fourth flat edge of the coiled manhole cover cushion are all of the same length.
 8. The coiled manhole cover cushion of claim 5, wherein the coiled manhole cover cushion is formed from weaved cord into a rope-like structure.
 9. The coiled manhole cover cushion of claim 8, wherein the coiled manhole cover cushion is manufactured from braided cotton and impregnated with graphite oil.
 10. The coiled manhole cover cushion of claim 9, wherein the coiled manhole cover cushion forms a gasket between the seating receptacle of the manhole and a manhole cover when applied to the seating receptacle of a manhole.
 11. A system for sealing a manhole comprising: a manhole having an access hole; a seating receptacle positioned adjacent to the access hole of the manhole wherein the seating receptacle includes an outer flange, a vertical wall extending downward at a substantially right angle from the outer flange, and a seat positioned at a substantially right angle adjacent to the vertical wall; and a coiled manhole cover cushion comprising at least one flat edge on a first side of the coiled manhole cover cushion which is positioned at the edge of the substantially right angle between the vertical wall and the seat of the seating receptacle.
 12. The system for sealing a manhole of claim 11, wherein the coiled manhole cover cushion has a polygonal shape.
 13. The system for sealing a manhole of claim 12, wherein the coiled manhole cover cushion includes a first flat edge, a second flat edge, a third flat edge and a fourth flat edge respectively positioned on a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side of the coiled manhole cover cushion.
 14. The system for sealing a manhole of claim 13, wherein the flat edges of the coiled manhole cover cushion are of a suitable size to fit within the edge of the substantially right angle formed between the vertical wall and the seat of the seating receptacle of the manhole.
 15. The system for sealing a manhole of claim 14, wherein the first flat edge and the second flat edge positioned respectively at opposing first and second sides of the coiled manhole cover cushion are longer than the third flat edge and the fourth flat edge positioned respectively at opposing third and fourth sides of the coiled manhole cover cushion.
 16. The system for sealing a manhole of claim 14, wherein the first flat edge, second flat edge, third flat edge and fourth flat edge of the coiled manhole cover cushion are all of the same length.
 17. The system for sealing a manhole of claim 14, wherein the coiled manhole cover cushion is formed from weaved cord into a rope-like structure.
 18. The system for sealing a manhole of claim 17, wherein the coiled manhole cover cushion is manufactured from braided cotton and impregnated with graphite oil.
 19. The system for sealing a manhole of claim 18, wherein the coiled manhole cover cushion forms a gasket between the seating receptacle of the manhole and a manhole cover when applied to the seating receptacle of a manhole.
 20. A method for sealing a manhole comprising: cleaning dirt and debris from a seating receptacle positioned adjacent to an access hole of the manhole wherein the seating receptacle includes an outer flange, a vertical wall extending downward at a substantially right angle from the outer flange, and a seat positioned at a substantially right angle adjacent to the vertical wall; placing a coiled manhole cover cushion comprising at least one flat edge on a first side of the manhole cover cushion at the edge of the substantially right angle formed between the vertical wall and the seat of the seating receptacle; and, placing a manhole cover over the manhole. 